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Coghlan making every game count

Coghlan making every game count

9/9/13: Chris Coghlan goes a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, driving four singles in the game against the Braves

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Don't tell Chris Coghlan that the final 20 games of a rough season for the Marlins aren't important.

The 28-year-old, who is overcoming an injury-plagued last few years, is approaching each game with the same desire as if the Marlins were in the playoff picture.

"I don't take it lightly, at all," Coghlan said. "I've got 20 games. That's the way I look at it."

At 53-89, the Marlins are in danger of losing 100 games, if they don't win 10 of their remaining contests.

"You don't want to lose 100 games," Coghlan said. "You do everything you can not to lose 100. It's embarrassing to lose 100. I think we have 10 more wins to make sure we don't lose 100. That's the goal for the team."

Individually, Coghlan has recovered from a nerve-related injury that went from affecting his right calf to his back.

Coghlan was reinstated on Sept. 1, and he is coming off a four-hit night on Monday against the Braves.

Since his return, Coghlan has been used at third base, right field and left field.

"Individually, every game they are evaluating me," Coghlan said. "I don't take any game lightly. I'm not counting the days down, even as badly as it's been for me. It's a tryout. Every day is a tryout. It's a tryout at a new position. It's a tryout at a new place in the lineup."

Coghlan sees these final few weeks as a chance to show his versatility and that he can produce at the plate. He is eligible for arbitration after the season, and isn't sure if he is part of Miami's plans for 2014.

"I don't know what my future holds," he said. "There is good in that, and that you are able to take every game seriously. I think that's what we need to do as a team.

"Sometimes you can get complacent and be like, 'We're young and this and that.' Every game matters up here. Everybody is trying to take bread off your table."